Euroscepticism in the Republic of Ireland

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Euroscepticism is a minority view in Ireland. Opinion polls held in the country between 2017 and 2024 indicated between 70% and 90% support for continued membership of the European Union (EU),^[1][2] and a 2021 'Eurobarometer' report indicating that 75% of poll respondents had a "positive image of the EU".^[3]

Irish Eurosceptics say that the EU undermines Irish sovereignty, that it lacks democratic legitimacy, it is neoliberal and works for the benefit of the business elite and it is a threat to Irish neutrality.^[4]

Some Irish Eurosceptics oppose elements of the EU and its policies and seek reform, while others seek an Irish withdrawal from the EU altogether.^[4] This proposed withdrawal is sometimes referred to as "Irexit", based on "Brexit", the common term for the British withdrawal from the EU.^[5][6][7]

Euroscepticism in Ireland is traditionally found in more left-wing and Irish republican groups. The biggest of these have been Sinn Féin and People Before Profit–Solidarity,^[8][9][10] who each have members in elected office. Sinn Féin long opposed European integration,^[4] but now describes itself as "critical, but supportive, of the EU" and does not advocate withdrawal from the Union.^[11][12] The Green Party have also shifted from being Eurosceptic to pro-EU.^[4] More recently, small right-wing Eurosceptic parties have formed in Ireland, but they lack representation in any elected positions.